Category Archives: NBA Basketball News

San Antonio Spurs roll Memphis Grizzlies and take 1-0 series lead

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San Antonio SpursSan Antonio Spurs roll Memphis Grizzlies and take 1-0 series lead

San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker scored a game-high 20 points while dishing out nine assists, and Kawhi Leonard put up 18 points to lead their team to a blowout win over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their NBA playoffs series by the score of 105-83 Sunday.

San Antonio was determined to avoid having a repeat performance of when they loss Game 1 the last time these two teams met in the first round of the NBA playoffs two years ago. The No. 8 seed Grizzlies eliminated the No. 1 seed Spurs out of the postseason that time.

This time, the Spurs got off to a fast start, leading by 17 points at the end of the first quarter. Then, when the Grizzlies rallied to cut the lead to six points during the second half, San Antonio was able fend it off and run away with the victory. The game got so out of hand, that both teams ended up sitting their starters with over five minutes remaining, as the Spurs held a 21-point lead.

Quincy Pondexter scored a team-high 17 points for the Grizzlies, but Memphis’ All-Star forward Zach Randolph failed to connect on his first seven shot attempts and ended up scoring just two points, which came off a tip-in with 9:26 remaining in the game.

The Memphis Grizzlies defense, which ranked No. 1 in the league in terms of points allowed during the regular season, was not playing at the level we have grown accustomed to seeing. They allowed San Antonio to shoot 53 percent from the field, which included a franchise NBA playoffs record 14 made three-pointers, while Randolph, one of the Grizzlies’ primary offensive threats, struggled throughout the game. Z-Bo was a complete non-factor versus the Spurs, after putting up a playoff career-best 28 points and 14 boards during Game 5 against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which is when the Grizzlies closed out their Western Conference semifinals series back on Wednesday night.

The San Antonio Spurs will look to go up 2-0 in Game 2, which will be played on Tuesday night.

2013 Eastern Conference Finals, who has the edge, Miami or Indiana?

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indianavsmiami2013 Eastern Conference Finals, who has the edge, Miami or Indiana?

After last season’s Semifinals meeting, the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers will face each other again, but this time in the Eastern Conference Finals. Let’s analyze which team has more chances to advance and play for a Championship ring in the NBA Finals.

First of all, there is no doubt that the Heat are considered as the strong favorites. They are the defending Champions, they do have the reigning MVP of the regular season on their roster in the name of LeBron James and their arsenal consists of better players than last year. The off and mid-season acquisitions of Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis and Chris Andersen came to fill almost every hole the Heat team seemed to have. Even the second-year Norris Cole has uplifted his performance and provides a great spark off the bench, many times playing starter minutes. Apart from Dwyane Wade, who appeared to be not at 100%, due to a right knee injury, the rest of the crew is just doing what they are best at, each one on it’s field of expertise.

That’s the reason why we witnessed the Miami Heat setting a new franchise record for most wins in a regular season and also recording the second longest winning streak in the history of the NBA, with 27 in a row. They are the best team in the league in transition, with two of the top finishers in the league, LeBron and Wade, being close to unstoppable on the break. Points off their opponents’ turnovers are a big part of the Heat’s game. They also ranked second in three point percentage this season. Many times the only option of their opponents was to just pick their poison. So what’s Miami’s vulnerability?

Inside presence.

That’s where the Indiana Pacers can work their magic. After all, their big men played a significant role in their two wins this regular season against the Heat. Roy Hibbert and David West acted like a barricade against Miami’s penetrators. They also exploited the Heat’s defense, especially when Miami plays Shane Battier at the stretch-four position.

What Indiana’s Head Coach Frank Vogel has achieved is to build a great ensemble of talented players who work as a unit and complete each other. Considering that they play without the All-Star Danny Granger, they still have the power and strength to look Miami straight in the eye and fight for the ticket to the NBA Finals.

Rebounding will also play a big role in the outcome of this series. Indiana seems to have the edge because of their frontcourt supremacy. However, Miami is a team that collectively fights for a board and there were numerous times where we’ve seen LeBron leading his team in this stat category.

Of course, another key to the series will be containing The King. Following his almost unreal regular season numbers, LeBron has continued to lead his team in the NBA Playoffs. His matchup against Paul George will be crucial and could turn the balance in favor of one team or the other.

The Miami Heat are entering the series having the upper hand and of course the home court advantage. Nonetheless, the underdog Indiana Pacers have a great chance to redeem themselves during this Eastern Conference Finals and prove that they’ve grown up and learned their lesson since their previous postseason meeting last season.

Indiana Pacers knockout New York Knicks despite Melo’s 39 points

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Indiana PacersIndiana Pacers knockout New York Knicks despite Melo’s 39 points

Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson put up 25 points, which is a postseason career-high for him, including nine coming in an 11-2 late run to lead his team over the New York Knicks by the score of 106-99 Saturday night. With the win, the Pacers eliminated the Knicks 4-2 in their NBA playoffs series and advanced to the Eastern Conference finals, which is the first time the franchise has reached this point since 2004.

Stephenson, who happens to be a New York native, also grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out three assists for Indiana. The Pacers were also boosted by the return of starting point guard George Hill, who was forced to sit out of Game 5 due to a concussion. Hill finished with 12 points.

The rest of the Indiana Pacers starters played very well also. Paul George scored 23 points, David West had 17 points and Roy Hibbert posted a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Carmelo Anthony ended up with 39 points, while Iman Shumpert added 19 points for the New York Knicks in Game 6.

The Indiana Pacers improved to 6-0 at home during this postseason. Next up for Indiana is a rematch with the Miami Heat, which is the team that eliminated the Pacers last NBA season in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Game 1 will be played in Miami on Wednesday night.

Maloofs reach agreement, sell Sacramento Kings for record $535 million

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Sacramento KingsMaloofs reach agreement, sell Sacramento Kings for record $535 million

One of the longest serials in NBA history, regarding the sale of a team, has finally reached it’s end. The Maloof family, owners of the Sacramento Kings, has come to an agreement to sell the team to a group of investors led by the technology mogul Vivek Ranadive. According to multiple sources, the purchase amount will be $535 million, which will set an NBA record.

The sale completes a big circle of negotiations and speculations regarding the ownership and the future of the Kings, and also its final location. As reported, the Maloof family had previously agreed with another group of investors, led by hedge fund manager Chris Hansen, in a deal worth $525. However, Hansen’s intention to move the team to Seattle was rejected by the board of NBA team owners. With 22 votes against and only 8 for, and with the urge of the NBA to keep the franchise in Sacramento, that agreement was quickly called off.

In fact, Hansen’s plan to bring the NBA back to Seattle awakened the local basketball community and the fans, who got excited and eagerly awaited for the latest updates. After all, Seattle is a well-known basketball city and the legendary Supersonics were one of the top teams in the NBA with lots of Hall of Famers passing from their roster. Hansen’s significant offer and his promises for a new arena brought hope to the city of Seattle.

Nonetheless, those plans for a brand new start for the franchise, which included a new arena and a general rebuild of the team, will occur in Sacramento. The city’s mayor and former NBA player Kevin Johnson committed to make strong efforts to keep the Kings in Sacramento, and his efforts succeeded. Now, the Sacramento group and the new ownership will have to work their way to fulfilling their promises and bring new life to the Sacramento Kings. Almost half of the amount that will be spent to build the new arena in the capital of California is projected to come from public resources.

The new owner, Vivek Ranadive is also a minor shareholder of the Golden State Warriors, and his share will have to be replaced in order for this deal to be completed. This shouldn’t take long to happen and the transaction should evolve smoothly. After all, NBA commissioner David Stern stays close to the transaction and will provide his assistance so the sale gets finalized without any problems.

Sacramento Kings fans can finally rejoice and be optimistic about the future of their favorite team. After many years of struggle, when the team not only failed to enter the Playoffs but also finished in the bottom places of the Western Conference, a new light of hope appeared on the horizon.

Hopefully, with a good team management and various off-season movements and acquisitions, the Sacramento Kings can return to a successful course, similar to the one they once had over a decade ago. The team currently has some talented young players to build around, however an addition of a star player could be next and really help the team move forward.

San Antonio Spurs reach WCF to face Grizzlies, eliminate Warriors

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San Antonio SpursSan Antonio Spurs reach WCF to face Grizzlies, eliminate Warriors

Over the past decade, the San Antonio Spurs have been the model of consistency for any professional team across any sport, as they have proved time and time again that teamwork is how you succeed. Thursday night was no different as San Antonio advanced to their second straight Western Conference Finals, and fifth over the last 10 seasons.

The Spurs held off another furious rally by the Golden State Warriors to get the win in Game 6 by the score of 94-82, and eliminate the Dubs on their home court in front of a sold out Oracle arena.

Tim Duncan led the way for San Antonio with 19 points and six boards while Kawhi Leonard put up 16 points as the Spurs won their NBA playoffs series 4-2.

Tony Parker started slow, but scored 10 of his 13 total points during the final quarter to key the Spurs victory. Tiago Splitter chipped-in 14 points, which is a career-playoff high for him, as San Antonio held a 13-point lead late in the third.

Stephen Curry, who has been playing with an injury to his left ankle, finished with 22 points for the Warriors on 10 of 25 shooting from the field. Jarrett Jack added 15 points as the worn down Golden State team simply ran out of fuel. San Antonio outshot the Warriors 45 percent to 39 percent.

The San Antonio Spurs now move on to face the Memphis Grizzlies, and will play Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals at home on Sunday.

New York Knicks survive to play another day, beat Pacers in Game 5

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New York KnicksNew York Knicks survive to play another day, beat Pacers in Game 5

The New York Knicks, led by Carmelo Anthony‘s 28 points, fought off elimination in their NBA playoffs series versus the Indiana Pacers, winning Game 5 by the score of 85-75 at home Thursday night.

Chris Copeland and J.R. Smith each scored 13 points while coming off the bench for New York, as they are attempting to be only the ninth team in NBA history to comeback from a 3-1 postseason series deficit and win.

Anthony, who failed to score a basket during the fourth quarter of both games in Indiana, sank a jump shot halfway through the fourth in Game 5, after the Pacers cut the Knicks lead to four points. He followed the basket with two made free throws, then Raymond Felton put up a layup, and New York was never threatened again.

Paul George posted 23 points, six assists and six rebounds for Indiana, who played without starter George Hill due to a concussion.

George was in foul trouble throughout the game and could not keep Anthony contained quite as well as he had in the Pacers’ previous victories in the series.

David West scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Indiana Pacers, who were looking to close out the Knicks and advance to the Eastern Conference finals, which would be the franchise’s first time since 2004.

The winner of this series has the pleasure of facing the reigning NBA champion Miami Heat. The New York Knicks trail the Pacers 3-2 and face another must-win game Saturday, which is when Game 6 will be played.

Memphis Grizzlies eliminate OKC Thunder, advance to Western Finals

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Memphis GrizzliesMemphis Grizzlies eliminate OKC Thunder, advance to Western Finals

Being without Russell Westbrook, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Kevin Durant have looked over matched against the Memphis Grizzlies all series long. And even though Game 5 was back in OKC, the Thunder needed more than just home cooking if they were to avoid being eliminated out of the NBA playoffs.

The Grizzlies won Game 5 by the score of 88-84 Wednesday night to advance pass the Thunder and into the Western Conference Finals. It’s the first time the franchise has made it this far in the postseason, as they knocked off the defending Western Conference champions 4-1 in their NBA playoffs series.

Zach Randolph led all scorers with 28 points while grabbing 14 rebounds, and Mike Conley chipped-in 13 points and dished out 11 assists for the Grizzlies, who entered this postseason as the fifth seed in the West.

Kevin Durant had a rough night shooting the basketball, as it looked like he played with the weight of incredible pressure on top of his shoulders all game long. He ended the game by scoring 21 points on 5 of 21 shooting, which ranks as the third worst postseason performance of his NBA career. On top of that, Durant missed a 16-foot jump shot with six seconds remaining to tie the game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the NBA playoffs as the top seed in the West. However, after Westbrook went down with a knee injury the team went 2-6, with their postseason run ending in the second round.

The Memphis Grizzlies now awaits the winner of the San Antonio Spurs – Golden State Warriors series to find out who they will be facing next.

Miami Heat advance to Eastern Conference Finals, oust Chicago Bulls

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Miami HeatMiami Heat advance to Eastern Conference Finals, oust Chicago Bulls

After a fast start and an even faster finish, the Miami Heat ousted the Chicago Bulls in Game 5, getting the victory by the score of 94-91 to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the third straight year.

LeBron James put up 23 points while Dwyane Wade chipped-in 18 points as Miami rallied from being down 11 in the second-half to eliminate Chicago, winning their NBA playoffs series 4-1.

Chris Bosh had 12 points and Udonis Haslem scored 10 points for the Heat, which started the game on a 22-4 run, but was outscored by an astonishing 29 points over the next 27 minutes of the game. But the Heat bounced back as Miami outscored Chicago 25-14 during the final quarter.

Carlos Boozer led the Bulls by scoring 26 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, while Nate Robinson came right back after putting up 0 points in Game 4 by posting 21 points in Game 5. Chicago, who were without former MVP Derrick Rose for the 99th game in a row, saw both Robinson and Jimmy Butler miss potential game tying three-point shots on their last possession of their season. The Bulls lost the last four games in a row versus the Heat in the series.

Butler ended up with 19 points and Richard Hamilton had 15 points for Chicago in the losing effort.

And of course there was drama right until the final buzzer.

Robinson sank a shot from beyond the arc with 1:43 remaining to pull Chicago within three, 94-91, then Butler stole the ball from Bosh for a turnover on the very next Heat possession. However Boozer couldn’t connect on an open 15-foot shot with approximately a minute left, and Wade then deflected the basketball off Boozer’s leg after Miami missed a shot with 45 seconds to go, which meant the Heat got another possession with a fresh 24 second shot clock.

With that said, the Heat did not score again, and Chicago had one final opportunity. Nate Robinson could not make his three-point attempt, and Butler pump-faked his way to a good look at the rim, but failed to connect as well as the ball bounced away.

Time expired, and the Miami team celebrated on the court. The Miami Heat will now await the winner of the Indiana Pacers – New York Knicks series to find out who their next opponent will be.

Spurs beat Warriors easy for first time, take 3-2 lead in series

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Spurs Beat WarriorsSpurs beat Warriors easy for first time, take 3-2 lead in series

Tony Parker put up 25 points and dished out 10 assists to help Spurs beat Warriors in Game 5 by the score of 109-91 Tuesday night as San Antonio took a 3-2 lead in their NBA playoffs series.

Kawhi Leonard scored 17 points, Danny Green added 16 points and Tim Duncan chipped-in 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the San Antonio Spurs.

Harrison Barnes scored a team-high 25 points for the Golden State Warriors, while Jarrett Jack put up 20 points and Carl Landry added 16 points for their team. No other player scored over nine points for Golden State, including Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who combined 6 of 22 shooting and 13 points.

The Spurs were up so comfortably that even Tracy McGrady saw his first action of these NBA playoffs. After Spurs beat Warriors in Game 5, San Antonio will attempt to close out the series in Game 6, which will be played Thursday night in Oakland.

Indiana Pacers win Game 4, take commanding 3-1 lead over Knicks

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Indiana PacersIndiana Pacers win Game 4, take commanding 3-1 lead over Knicks

George Hill put up a game-high 26 points and Paul George chipped-in 18 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists to lead the Indiana Pacers over the New York Knicks by the score of 93-82 in Game 4 Tuesday night to take a 3-1 lead in their NBA playoffs series.

The Pacers need just one more victory to advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, which would be the first time the franchise has reached that point since 2004.

Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points, before fouling out, and J.R. Smith added 19 points as New York had yet another horrible night shooting the basketball.

This series has followed a consistent pattern, and Game 4 was no different. The Knicks were off shooting the ball, the Pacers outrebounded New York by a wide margin and NY could not compete during the second half.

The Knicks did not hang around for very long either. The Pacers ended the opening quarter going on a 9-2 run to break a tie of 14-14. New York couldn’t get any closer than five points for the rest of the game.

The Pacers’ home record during the postseason improved to 5-0, winning each of those games by double-digits. Indiana and the Memphis Grizzlies are the only two teams that are yet to lose at home during these NBA playoffs.

For New York, these type of shooting nights are becoming all too familiar, as they lost their fifth out of the last seven contests.

The Knicks shot only 35.6 percent, as a team, from the field, including shooting 28.6 percent from beyond the arc. They were also outrebounded 54-36 in Game 4.

The Indiana Pacers will look to close out the series as both teams travel back to New York for Game 5, which will be played on Thursday night.